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(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet v1. W. H. GIBBENS.

0X YOKE.

No. 331,631. Patented Dec. 1, 1885.

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W. H. GIBBENS.

(No Mode.)

0X YOKE Patented` Dec. l, 1885.

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UNITED STATES PATENT @trienio wILLIAMn. eInBENs, on wn'rson, NEwvYonIr.

ox-YOKE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 331,631, dated December 1, 1885.

Application tiled J une 9, 1885. Serial No. 168,134. (No model.)

To all whom t may concern:

Beit known that I, WILLIAM H. GIBBENs, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at -Watson, in the county of Lewis and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Ox-Yokes; and I do hereby declare the following tol be a full, clear, and exact description ofthe invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to letters or figures of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

This invention consists in certain improve ments, as hereinafter described, in ox-yokes, whereby they are adapted for use on teams where the animals are of different sizes, and are rendered automatically and individually adjustable to the independent movements of the heads and bodies of the respective oxen.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l represents an elevation of my improved yoke. Fig. 2 represents detail views of the parts separately.

The yoke bar or beam to whichf'the bows are attached is made in two parts, A B, each having at its inner end downwardly and outwardly extending ri ght-angled flanges G D D', the flanges C serving to strengthen the beam and the flanges D serving to connect the two members of the beam together.

E represents a downwardly-extending lip formed in the upper portion of one of the flanges D, so as to constitute a groove, F, within which the upper end of the other flange, D', rests and reciprocates. This groove is provided with a stop, G, against which lugs or projections H H on the respective corners of the upper part of the flange D impinge as it is oscillated by the movement of the ox. Similarly, when the ox connected to that portion of the beam having the iiange D oscillates his portion of the beam,the flange D will rock upon the upper part of the dange D', its movement in either direction being regulated by the stop G in the groove thereof coming in contact with the lugs or projections H on the upper corners of the dange D.

I represents a swivel or pivot connecting the lower ends of the flanges D D together, so

as to permit of the respective membersA B of the beam freely oscillating independently of each other as the ox yoked to the beam ends lowers his neck or moves it about from side to side. In the outer ends of the two-partbeam are formed slots or holes J, to permit of the yokes or neck-pieces being adjusted in position'longitudinally of said beam, for the purpose of adapting the beam to oxen of different sizes.

K represents the yokes or neck-pieces, each of which is provided on its upper portion with upwardly-extending ears L L, between which is pivoted a block, M, having a slot, N, to receive the ends of the beam. The upper and under sides of this block M have each avertical slot or hole,0,through whicha bolt, screw, or pin, l?, is passed to securely hold the beam end in position within the slotted block, and thereby connect the yoke to the beam. Extending upwardly from the upper face of this block M is a lug or ange, Q, having a vertical slot, It, through which a screw or pin, S, is passed into engagement with the bolt or pin P, so as to hold the same securely in position and prevent its becoming loose and dropping out in use. By thus connecting the yokes or neck-pieces to the beam by means of the pivotal block M,i`reedom of sidewise niovementis afforded the head and neck of the animal without affecting the yoke-connecting beam, as when the yokes are oscillated from side to side such movement is taken up by the pivoted block M.

By constructing the beam in two parts, A B, and pivotally connecting said parts together, the device is adapted for use with a pair of oxen of different heights, as when one ox is shorter than the other, by pulling down that part A or B, as the case may be, of the beam, the ox can be attached to the yoke and will pull evenly with the other and taller ox. This construction also permits of either ox raising or lowering his head and neck without disturbing that part of the beam or the yoke to which the other ox is connected, as such movements are taken up by the pivot or swivel and the end ianges. Thus all the ordinary and independent movements of each of the pair of oxen are compensated for automatically, and when one ox works with his head down or IOC to one side such attitude has no effect upon that portion of the yoke to which the other ox is connected.

T represents hollow lugs cast on the sides of the neck-pieces, to receive the bows.

U represents a swivel loop or ring attached to the swivel-block connecting the two ends of the central flanges, to which swivel loop .or ring is attached one end of a short chain, V, having a ring or snap hook at its other end, by which it and the yoke are connected to the draft or to a chain on the draft-pole. The object of this is to avoid any jarring effect upon the animals whenever the vehicle to which they are attached comes in contact with stones or other obstructions.

When in position upon the necks ofthe oxen, the yoke-beam extends rearwardly at an angle of about forty-five degrees. This results in securing an increased leverage over yokes supported in position perpendicularly.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is- 1. A double oX-yoke having the yoke-'connecting beam formed in two parts and pivotally connected together.

2f. Inan oir-yoke, a two-partyoke beam hav ing anged-innerends pivotally connected to gether, and having stops to limit the osci1' 4. In an oX-yoke, a yoke-connecting beam having a rearwardly-extendingportion and a chain pivotally connected thereto forv connecting the same to the draft-pole, substantially 1 as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM II. GIBBENs'.

Witnesses:

T. MILLER REED, HENRY E. TURNER. 

